By Kevin Mills,Staff Writer

When Sheldon Wenzel broadens his hockey horizons this fall, he wants to expand his game as well.

So when the former Lewiston Maineiac signed with the Long Beach Ice Dogs in the East Coast Hockey League, one thing he wanted to make clear was that his game involved more than just his fists.

“I’m there to protect their guys, but I want to be there to play hockey,” said Wenzel. “I don’t want to just go there and fight. That’s not what I wanted.”

The 6-1, 220 pound native of Brooks, Alberta led the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last year with 262 penalty minutes. What Wenzel feared was that teams would be interested solely in his fighting prowess, but when discussions began with Malcolm Cameron, the Ice Dogs coach and director of hockey operations, Wenzel was getting the kind of feedback he wanted to hear.

“I was kind of afraid that would happen because of my penalty minutes, but he seemed reasonable,” said Wenzel. “He called me one day and said that he was interested. I talked to him for a couple of days, and he offered me a contract, and I liked it.”

Wenzel has a one-year deal with the ECHL club. Cameron said he got plenty of positive feedback about Wenzel.

“Clem Jodoin spoke very highly of him and about him not just being a fighter,” said Cameron. “I respect what he says. Everyone I spoke to said he was a real character guy.”

Jodoin, the Maineiacs coach, spent five seasons as an assistant coach and scout with the Montreal Canadiens, the NHL team affiliated with the Ice Dogs.

“I always take a look at guys that were a little bit of a late bloomer and had to work real hard for their success,” said Cameron. “He’s hungry. That’s what I’m looking for — a young guy that’s hungry and has the potential to move up to the next level.”

Cameron knows Wenzel can throw haymakers, but he believes he also has the potential to develop his game. The fact that Wenzel had 18 goals and seven assists in 64 games two years ago and added eight goals and 14 assists in 59 games this year, hints at offensive potential.

“Only so many can bounce in off the helmet,” said Cameron.

Wenzel says he has been working hard this summer and has increased his speed. He expects his transition to the ECHL will be relatively smooth.

“I think I’ll be able to step right in,” said Wenzel. “It will probably be a little faster to begin with, but when it comes to toughness, I think I’ll fit in fine.”

Cameron says making the jump from junior hockey to the minor leagues can take some adjustment, but because Wenzel won’t have the pressure of producing great numbers, he’ll be allowed to settle in and play his game.

“He’s an intangibles guy,” said Cameron. “He’s got to play physical and play hard and work the corners. The skill guys have more of a transition than some of the guys that have a rugged style.”

Training camp begins Oct. 7th. Wenzel will have to report the day before for physicals. After a couple of weeks of training camp and exhibition games, the season begins Oct. 21.

“It’s creeping up pretty quick,” said Wenzel. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Long Beach will certainly create a hockey environment significantly different than Lewiston.

“I won’t have to worry about the snow,” said Wenzel. “It will certainly be a different climate.”